Some Biochemical Indices of Mild Physical Stress: A Preliminary Study
Abstract
Toward establishing an analytical capability for quantifying the physical demands of job stress, the effectiveness of an experimental protocol was ascertained in a group of healthy men. The protocol featured measurement of epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), and cortisol in blood drawn moments before and after 3 discrete levels of treadmill exercise. An added feature was testing of subjects with differing degrees of physical fitness (as adjudged by exercise habits). Although ways of enhancing the protocol's effectiveness were identified, the followig definitive findings emerged: (1) plasma NE concentrations were the most sensitive to workload and differentiated fitness subgroups, (2) plasma E levels were slightly less sensitive to workload and did not differentiate as well fitness subgroups, and (3) evidence of adrenocortical stimulation was found only at the highest exercise level, and only for the less fit subjects. Exercise-induced changes in plasma NE correlated well (r=0.861) with concomitant changes in blood lactate (reported elsewhere), suggesting the 2 indices might collectively distinguish physical from cognitive or emotional demands in various work environs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA120708
Entities
People
- David C. Reader
- Dorothy F. Wease
- James P. Ellis Jr.
- Joseph R. Fischer Jr.
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine